The incumbent

Gallagher, a sixth-generation Sacramento Valley resident, currently lives in Yuba City with his family.

James Gallagher

The agriculture and small business law attorney served as a Sutter County Supervisor from 2008 to 2014 before running for state office.

Gallagher cited his knowledge and experience working with the district.

“I’m really in tune with this district,” Gallagher said. “I listen to everybody, try to get to all parts of the district and solve problems.”

Similar to his opponent, Gallagher prioritized continual support for the recovery of Paradise and the ridge.

He discussed a potential bill aimed to help the Paradise Irrigation District.

Gallagher said the project would allow PID to sell extra surface water on an interim basis to Chico, which depends on a slowly decreasing groundwater supply.

Along with helping keep PID in operation. Gallagher believes the pipeline would regionally improve groundwater sustainability.

He also highlighted public safety and housing as two other key issues.

The incumbent hopes to ensure communities are safe by reversing “some misguided policies” that let rehabilitated people out of jail and prison early and also by empowering law enforcement.

Gallagher, who authored Assembly Bill 430, also called the Camp Fire Housing Assistance Act of 2019, wants to continue to find ways to build more homes and make rent affordable.

He emphasized the need for homeless shelters that offer support services and create accountability.

“We can have a place for people to go where they can get help, but can’t just camp out on the street,” Gallagher said.

The challenger

Born in Mount Shasta, Henson moved to Butte County at an early age and has called it home ever since.

James Henson

The Butte College and Chico State graduate said he spent the majority of his career working blue-collar jobs and volunteering with nonprofit organizations.

Now retired, Henson has authored three books.

He felt compelled to run following the aftermath of the Camp Fire, which personally impacted the longtime Paradise resident.

“The infrastructure was falling apart in Paradise and I could see that in the surrounding areas as well,” Henson said. “No matter what the circumstances were, things weren’t getting better, and there wasn’t any help coming along.”

Henson said his political experience stems from Paradise Ridge Democrats and Butte County Democratic Central Community.